Bengali New Year History

The exact origin of Bengali New Year is a much-debated topic, although general consensus inclines heavily towards one particular story. According to history, the Bengali New Year came into existence as a result of an ordinance passed by the great Mughal emperor Akbar. The collection of agricultural taxes in accordance with the then prevalent Hijri calendar led to off-season tax due dates that did not coincide with the harvest season. To rectify this, and subsequently streamline the tax collection process, Akbar ordered for a newly revised calendar, that was formulated by Fatehullah Shiraz on the basis of both the Hijri lunar and Hindu solar calendars. This paved the way for the new agricultural year or Fasli San, along with the tradition of celebrating Pohela Boishakh, or the first day marking the beginning of a new Bengali year.

Bengali Calendar or Panjika

If you are a Bengali yourself, or have been in close contact with one, you've probably heard of the word "Panjika". Even if you haven't, you can easily spot a tattered Panjika copy resting on a corner table of any Bengali household you visit. Panjika is the Hindu astronomical almanac that's published in four Indian languages, including Bengali. So, as the year draws to a culmination point, it is common practice amongst Bengalis to rush to the nearest bookstall, and purchase a fresh Panjika copy for the upcoming year. That pink printed paperback is one of the most prominent memories I carry from my childhood in a Bengali household, and the act of purchasing a new one during year-end is a crucial part of traditional Pohela Boishakh celebration.

Pohela Boishakh Food Menu

Much like any other festival, or for that matter, regular life as a Bengali, the Pohela Boishakh food menu comprises of mouth-watering Bengal delicacies and sweets. From a Bhar of Roshogullas to heaps of Sandesh and Kalakand (Bengali Milk Cakes) and plates overflowing with Payesh (Bengali Kheer), Pohela Boishakh is celebrated with the most scrumptious traditional Bengali sweets. The auspicious early hours of Pohela Boishakh are usually spent in the kitchen by most Bengalis, cooking up a culinary story replete with the most flavoursome Bengali preparations like Chollar Dal (Chana Dal) Begun Bhaja (Fried Eggplant), Laal Shaak Bhaja (Fried Red Spinach), Kosha Mangsho (Bengali Mutton Curry) and Shorshe Bata Illish (Hilsa Fish In Mustard Grave). Someone stop my inadvertent salivation, please.

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Image Courtesy - India

Pohela Boishakh Clothes

Buying new clothes is a crucial custom in traditional Pohela Boishakh, or Bengali New Year celebrations. Most Bengali families will go shopping for new clothes right before the first day of the Bengali new year, and don brand-new apparel on the day of the festival. While there isn't a specific festive dress code for Pohela Boishakh, most women tend to wear new white and red sarees, and men a fresh pair of Dhuti and Kurta, especially those participating in Prabhat Pheri, the name for the early morning processions that happen on Pohela Boishakh to welcome the first day.

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Pohela Boishakh Home Decorations

Bengalis welcome the first day of the new year by decking up their house in festive ornaments and details. From beautiful white rangolis or "Alpanas" drawn at entryways of the house using white rice powder paste, to clay pots adorned by Swastikas and mango leaves, along with garlands of fresh spring flowers, can be spotted as important festive elements in traditional Pohela Boishakh home decoration.

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Your Guide To Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)